Thursday, January 9, 2014

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Unified Government commissioners unanimously approved a measure Thursday night that will allow the Hollywood Casino an addition 90 days before making a decision on building a hotel.

Facing a February 2 construction deadline, casino officials made the request this week to extend the deadline to May 2014.

Now, the Hollywood Casino would be required to make a decision on the hotel by May 1, 2014.

"We've had a lot of economic challenges in the past few years," said Bob Sheldon, Vice-President & General Manager of the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. "By May 1, we'll have a commitment to build the hotel or not to build it."

Sheldon said the company needs to determine its design plans and whether or not a significant financial commitment can be made for the hotel to be built.

If Penn Gaming does not begin construction of the hotel by the deadline, they will owe Wyandotte County over $1 million as a penalty fee.

And while the company was granted the extension Thursday night, May 1 is the final deadline, county officials say.

Wyandotte County Administrator Dennis Hays said this is just a "one-time" deal.